82 entries under stern topic. ×

50
strict(adjective, feature, strong, hard, tough)
41
severe(adjective, strong, hard, tough, correct)
33
rigid(adjective, strong, hard, tough, correct)
32
stringent(adjective, hard, tough, severe, rough)
32
harsh(adjective, strong, hard, tough, severe)
27
scrupulous(adjective, feature, hard, tough, correct)
25
hard(adjective, strong, tough, severe, rough)
24
exacting(adjective, hard, tough, severe, fine)
21
demanding(adjective, hard, severe, rough, difficult)
21
inflexible(adjective, strong, hard, tough, severe)
21
punctilious(adjective, hard, tough, correct, severe)
19
austere(adjective, strong, hard, tough, severe)
17
stiff(adjective, hard, severe, rough, difficult)
15
close(adjective, feature, correct, slight, harsh)
15
uncompromising(adjective, hard, severe, rough, difficult)
12
difficult(adjective, hard, severe, rough, harsh)
11
tough(adjective, strong, hard, severe, rough)
10
obdurate(adjective, strong, hard, tough, severe)
10
sharp(noun, adjective, correct, severe, harsh)
10
tight(adjective, severe, careful, rigid, strict)
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APASmart Define. (2016). rigorous thesaurus. Retrieved September 22, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/rigorous/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2016. "rigorous thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/rigorous/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 22, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2016, rigorous thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 22 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/rigorous/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "rigorous thesaurus" 26 February 2016. Web. 22 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/rigorous/thesaurus/synonyms>